Conservation

Department of Commercial Crops Fruits & Forestry

Habitat Destruction Threatens the Endangered Wild Animals in Zanzibar
by Mr Yussuf Kombo

Introduction

Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. It comprises of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba. Unguja is the largest island with an area of about 1,660 square kilometers. Geographically, the islands lie between 4 and 6 degrees south of equator.

Unlike many other African countries, Zanzibar is facing a shortage of land for agriculture and Development activities. According to 1988 census, Unguja island has a population of 640,000 inhabitants where as Pemba has about 260,000 people. This makes the population density in Unguja to be about 226 people per square kilometer which is quite high by any standards.

Coral rag

Coral rags are the rocky areas of the eastern part of the island of Unguja occupying about 60% of the total land area and they form the potential land for agriculture and forestry. It is the home of most of Zanzibar wild animals including rare and endemic. Also, of the total rural population of Unguja approximately 36% live in the coral rag.

The coral rag soils are shallow with high calcium content. They are the result of weathered coral rocks including pockets of fertile soils which are heavily affected by drought. The soils become more brown and humid towards the east with decreasing in depth raw until coral rock emerges under the surface, pH value ranging from 6.4 – 8.0. They are fragile and susceptible to exhaustion even under a slight increase in cultivation pressure, and thus, the utilisation of the maweni (coral) soils for the production depends practically on high organic content (40%) that developed from litter of the natural thicket vegetation.

The coral land is covered with semi deciduous to evergreen bush and the natural coastal thicket forest dominated by Mkururu (Diospyrus consolata) and Msiliza/Mdaa (Euclea racemosa). Burceraceae, Capparidaceae, Ebenaceae, Anonaceae, Apocynaceae and Caesalpiniaceae are among the most prominent families in the area. Mgwede (Encephalartus hildebrandtii) is among the common but endemic coral rag species and is currently becoming rare in the area

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Red Colobus Monkey (Procolubus kirkii)

The red colubus monkey is endemic to Zanzibar and is one of the Africa’s, most endangered primates and loss threatened by continuous habitat loss of Zanzibar (IUCN, 1996; Siex, 1999). According to Wahira and colleagues, 1997 the population of red monkeys is 2,357 whereby 1,220 (44.2%), were counted in the Southern district 1,037 (44.00%) in the Central district and 100 (4.42%) monkeys in the Western district of the Zanzibar (Unguja) island (see the map).

In Jozani forest the monkeys are more habituated to human being. They form the major tourist attraction in the area. In 1998 they attracted 17,000 visitors. Seven groups are found in Jozani forest with at least 35 - 40 individuals. The largest group is group is having about 70 – 75 individuals. Few unhabituated groups are seen in southern forests of Muyuni and Muungoni, northern forest of Kiwengwa (see attached map)

The red colobus monkeys are locally known as kima punju (Poison monkeys). They have been called so because they feed on juvenile and immature fruit and leaves.

Threat to their existence

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Killing by humans. No clear evidence on this but there is a fear that people are secretly killing the monkeys by poisoning them. Few water containers have been found hanging on trees on the islet of Uzi. There is a doubt that some farmers add some poison into water so that when the monkeys drink it they die immediately.
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Destruction of habitat. Humans cut down trees for farming, construction and for fuel. The forest has not been able to recover and thus now the monkeys which roomed most of the island are concentrated at Jozani forest. Natural forest destruction in Unguja is alarming at a rate of 500 ha per year.
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Road kills at Jozani. This was a serious problem before May, 1998 whereby about 8 monkeys were being killed per month through reckless driving.
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Conservation measure

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Translocation. In 1991 about 20 individuals were translated to Ngezi forest in the sister island of Pemba. No further study that has been done to assess their performance or their population levels. Nevertheless the population is said to increase..
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Road bumps. In order to reduced road killing, bumps were constructed across the road in Jozani. Since the construction of the bumps in May, 1999 no road killing has been reported .
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Extension. Filming, post cards, news letter articles, leaf lets panel board, radio and television programmes, school visits and community village to village study tours.
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Monitoring.
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Low enforcement. Red colobus monkeys are in appendix I of the Zanzibar Forest Management and Conservation Act No. 10 of 1996 as totally protected animals and which are to accorded with the highest conservation action and work priority.
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Revenue sharing with community. The monkeys are notorious animals to immature crops. Farmers have been suffering from crop damage to an extent that they are loosing faith to animals. In order to support them, the CNR in collaboration with JCBCP has established a compensation scheme for farmers who bear the actual burden of conserving the red monkey through the provision of the mangrove board walk revenues. About 20,000 tourists visit Jozani forest per year each paying 1.5 US Dollar for the Board walk bridge. Ninety per cent (90%) of board walk revenue is being distributed to community (50% Pete village, 25% advisory committee, 15% farmers who are suffering from crop damage) and 10% to Commission for Natural Resources for the forest up keep
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Safety measures. Road signs and road bumps installed so that drivers are alerted of reducing their vehicle speed along Jozani.
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Aders Duiker (Cephalophus adersi)

The status of Aders duiker has been classified previously as both critical (gnusletter)and vulnerable (IUCN/WCMC). Aders duiker occur in Zanzibar as a near endemic since, although the species has been described by (Kingdon, 1982; Mwinyi, 1997) as widespread in the forests, woodlands and thickets north of Mombasa Kenya almost up to Somali border. In the light of rapidly shrinking suitable habitat, it would be seen that its population has succumbed to a severe decline in number (Mwinyi, 1997).

A population survey was carried out in 1995 in order to establish the status and distribution of the mini antelope of Unguja island – especially that of Ader's duiker (Williams et al, 1996; Mwinyi 1997). A previous survey had been carried out by Swai in 1983. Comparative analysis between Swai (1983) survey and Williams et al, 1995 showed that the Ader's duiker population has undergone a marked long term decline (Mwinyi, 1997). Swai, 1993 established the Ader's duiker population to be in the order of 5,000 individuals. However Williams et al (1996) found that the population had fallen from 5,000 individuals in 1983 to well below 2,000 individuals suggesting a total decline of 65% in 13 years.

Threats

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Habitat destruction. Coral rag thickets in the eastern belt of Zanzibar forms the suitable habitat for the animal. The Duikers’ habitat is very badly destroyed as a result of shifting cultivation, farming, settlement, and bush fires. Coral rag thickets which cover about 98,000 ha of Zanzibar's total land area and a home for Zanzibar antelopes, leopard and Red colobus monkeys is in the pressure of continuous destruction. According to Ali et al (1997) about 500 ha of the coral thickets are cut each year..
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Hunting. Hunting in Zanzibar is a tradition activity. Among the most preferred species are antelopes (Masoud, 1999) that includes Ader's duikers..
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Conservation measure

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The conservation and recovery plan for Ader's duiker has been prepared which provides strategies on advocacy, community participation, conservation education and awareness, captive breeding programme and trophy hunting.
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Law enforcement
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National legislation on: Ader's duiker is a fully protected animal by the laws of Zanzibar
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Closing and opening hunting season: Hunting is allowed between 1st October to 31st March, each year.
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Village hunting by laws: Villages that surrounds Jozani forest and other Shehias in the Southern district have prepared their own hunting by laws which are recognised by the Government. The current strategy is to have approved village by law in each village/Shehia of Zanzibar.
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Community participation. Community is sensitised on Ader's Duikers management, patrols and conservation of natural forest
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 Conservation education. Given to villages, hunters and school kids.
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Translocation. In 1998 two Ader's were translated to Chumbe Island. Unfortunately one of them died a few days after release. In May 1999 another individual was captured to be translocated to Chumbe island but unfortunately, this animal died only a few hour while in the holding pan waiting for translocation. It is believed that the animal died of stress encountered during capture process and transportation to the holding pan. JCBCP is in contact with outside world to gather more information about translocation techniques for vulnerable species like Ader's duiker
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Captive breeding. This has not yet been started although there is a great hope that it will commence before end of 2000. Correspondence has been made with EAZA who have shown their interest to participate in this programme. Captive breeding have been proposed to be done in the Jozani National Park. Proposal document has been distributed to several potential partners
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Trophy hunting. The Commission for Natural Resources and Jozani and Chwaka Bay Conservation Project is in contact with trophy hunters world wide. The trophy fee from the hunted animals is intended to support Ader's duiker conservation management efforts specific villages of Unguja. It is anticipated that such a project might serve a long term incentive for some community to ensure the conservation of small populations of Ader's duiker and their habitats (Williams, 1997). A social-cultural survey conducted in 1999 showed that communities were in full support of trophy hunting programme as they can perceive the real economic benefit of their conservation efforts. In fact, they have even committed themselves to set aside areas as "duiker reserves" that would be restricted for any other sort of hunting (Masoud, 1999).
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Zanzibar Leopard (Panthera pardusi adersi)

Zanzibar leopard is the largest land animal in the islands of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is believed to have drifted from the mainland (Africa) for at least 10,000 years ago. A number of the Island's mammalian fauna are endemic subspecies found in the main continent as result of this isolation (Goldman and Walsh 1997). Zanzibar leopard constitute a pocket of genetic diversity that, once lost, cannot be recovered. It is a unique sub species that has evolved morphological differences from leopards elsewhere in the world (JCBCP).

According to Goldman and Walsh (1997) the reports of leopard sightings span the years 1990 to 1996 along the north coast of island (Nungwi South to Chwaka). Leopard appear to be concentrated in he central – western and southern region of Unguja island where the forest is heavy with natural vegetation.

Before 1960s, the population of these animals was high whereby sightings were reported in different areas. Currently it is extremely difficult to find one. Technically, it is believed that the animal has already disappears on the earth although villagers keeps on insisting that the animal is still there.

Research findings on the Zanzibar leopard differs. For instance, Goldman and Walsh 1997 suggested that “the leopard population in Unguja has probably already dropped well below its ability to sustain in the long term especially with no active efforts on our part to conserve it”

Why leopards disappeared?

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Hunting. In Zanzibar hunting is a tradition business. Among the most wanted species are antelopes, bush pig, monkeys and leopards. During the years mid 60s to early 70s many leopards were killed. However, there is no proper record which can exactly tell how many leopards were killed, by hunters. Nevertheless, experienced people suggested a figure >150 animal were killed. The last animal to be killed and witnesses by Zanzibar town inhabitants was in 1985, as the dead body was exposed to the public at the David Livingstone House pitch.
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Habitat destruction. Due to habitat destruction, leopards miss Shelter and thus exposed to hunters.
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Witchcraft. In the years between mid 60s to early 70s, many leopards were killed in the so called Kitanzi campaign. Kitanzi was a well known local witchcraft men who helped the government officials in identifying people who keep leopards. He helped in catching and killing all the leopards that were believed to be used in witch-crafting. It is believed that more than 150 leopards were killed in this campaign.
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Attack to animals and human beings. Many leopards were killed because they were attacking domestic animals such as goats, cows and poultry. There were also some few reported cases where leopards attacked human beings.
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Conservation measure

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Law enforcement. Leopards are in appendix I of protected animals in the Zanzibar forestry legislation.
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Studies. Several studies have been done to know whether the species is still present or have gone extinct. Unfortunately no study has come with positive results, and thus, this make the conservation efforts to be uncertain
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Witch crafting and beliefs. The animal was being killed in 1960s because there were some beliefs among Zanzibari community that it was being domesticated and used by witches. Among other reasons leopard keepers used to terrorise people and so as to get recognition. Because of that it has been extremely difficulty to tell many Zanzibari people to conserve it. Those whose are willing to conserve it are still worried of the government that they might be felt witches. Yet, it is believed that there is good number of witches who keeps leopards in several villages. Walsh and Goldman 1997 suggested that these kept leopard are deployed by their owners to achieve a number of objectives such as to terrorise people, to obtain food for the keeper, to guard the owner's wealth, to guard Livestock and breed so that the offspring may be sold for profit.
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Attack to animals and human beings. Many leopards were killed because they were attacking domestic animals such as goats, cows and poultry. There were also some few reported cases where leopards attacked human beings.
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CONSERVATION THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME

It is a new approach initiated by the Commission of Natural Resource in 1994. The history of Zanzibar forest management tell us that before 1995, the government had legal powers to manage all forest areas and wild animals in the islands. Government officers acted like policeman in front of the community, and other stakeholders had no opportunity even to plan for the management and use of their natural resource. The gap between the community and government expanded to an extent that the forest officials were seen as enemies in front of the community. As a result of the past top-down interventions and lack of appropriate support by government institutions against decline in natural resources, traditional management institution also declined, marginalised and became less effective (Basha 1999, pers. com).

The first step to rectify this problem was to formulate new policy that gave community right to plan and manage their resources more wisely (see that attached summary of the policy sheet). In 1995 the National Forestry Policy came in operation. Then in 1996 the forest resources legislation was enacted. Currently the local communitie are fully empowered through policy and legislation.

As an example, each of the eight villages in the JCBCA has its own conservation committee responsible for the following tusks at village levels:

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mobilising the villagers to conserve their natural resources
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networking the conservation committees
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Capacity building of the nearby villagers
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The village conservation committees through facilitation by the CNR are in the processes of preparing their own land use management plans which clearly delineates areas set aside for conservation and sustainable use, agriculture and livestock keeping and other related activities.

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Mr Yussuf Kombo
Commission for Natural Resources – Zanzibar
PO Box 3526
Zanzibar, Tanzania
e-mail: careznz@africaoline.co.tz
Phone: +255 713 459447
Fax: +255 54 23-6089
yhkombo@yahoo.com

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